One of the most famous faces for many youngsters in 1960’s sunny US television was that of the singer and lead guitarist for the group The Monkees, Michael Nesmith who has died on Friday. He was 78.
Nesmith was part of the quartet manufactured for a TV show about a rock ‘n roll group and the group exploded with hit after hit, perhaps even rivaling The Beatles, well let’s not go nuts!
His family said, “With infinite Love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully of natural causes.”
Among the cheeky chappie’s many many hits included “Last Train to Clarksville,” “Daydream Believer,” “I’m a Believer,” “Valerie,” amongst many more more.
Nesmith famously fought hard for artistic control of the group, wanting the group to be a real, not just fabricated for laughs. He initially didn’t play an instrument like the other three.
He fought for the band’s rights and contributed some of The Monkees’ most cherished and enduring songs, most notably the country-tinged “Papa Gene’s Blues”.
Nesmith said about that struggle, “We were kids with our own taste in music and were happier performing songs we liked — and/or wrote — than songs that were handed to us.”
In more latter days he helped launch MTV by pitching a show called “PopClips,” which evolved into the 24-hour video channel.
His mom famously invented Liquid Paper — AKA white-out — which became a cash register for the family.
Mike and sole survivor Micky Dolenz performed their final show together last month at the Greek Theatre.
